Update on the Needs Assessment Team

DPO partnered with Rato Bangla School (RBS) in Lalitpur to conduct several training and supportive sessions at RBS for teachers, supporting staff, parents and high school students. Teachers and principals of other schools also participated in the training.

The team also connected with several members of Psychiatrist’s Association of Nepal(PAN) and visited two of the outlying areas — Melamchi and Chautara. Both of these villages are in Sindhupalchowk district, one of the hardest hit districts by the earthquake. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of the houses in this district were destroyed, taking a toll of 1820 lives, and leaving thousands injured. In Melamchi, training was provided to teachers, soldiers (of the local army base) and members of the community. In Chautara, the team provided training to the medical staff of the district hospital.

Dr. Sophia Banu, another member of DPO’s needs assessment team has reached Kathmandu and will be continuing the assessment task after the others return. Milan Dixit, the principal of RBS, and Dr. Arun Kunwar, the international liaison for PAN, have been the key local contacts assisting the team in their mission.